On Thursday afternoon I ran the fastest 3 miler I've done since my Turkey Trot back in November. I finished it in 25:55 min, which is an 8:38 min/mile pace. I was really pumped to see those numbers on my watch when I finished. It's been really really hard to get my speed back up after letting it go down the drain this winter. When I first started running again I would get so frustrated that I could barely run 10 minute miles anymore. Still, I just kept pushing along, and it's amazing how slowly but surely you can teach your body to work harder, go faster, and run longer.
Even today after running 10 miles I couldn't believe how great I felt! the last 2 miles, when I'm normally tired and slowing down, were actually my fastest today! After 6 weeks of running I'm finally starting to get my fitness back. I'm still not where I was before. I can't believe I ran my first half marathon at a 9:06 pace. I tried doing that today with just 10 miles and I couldn't sustain it. I ended up averaging 9:26, which is still great, but just makes me realize I still have some work to do.
Speed aside, I'm really happy with how my training is going right now. It feels really good to get out there and do something that challenges and fulfills me.
Weekly Goals:
Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: 3 miles or cross
Wednesday: 5 miles + strength
Friday: 60 min cross
Saturday: 10 miles
Weekly Outcome:
Monday: 5 miles, on the treadmill, avg pace 9:07 min/mile
Tuesday: 47 min strength DVD
Wednesday: 5 miles, outside, avg pace 9:36 min/mile
Thursday: 3 miles, outside, avg pace 8:38 min/mile
Saturday: 10 miles outside, avg pace 9:26 min/mile
Wow! That totally beats my 17 minute mile!
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed that you run 4 times a week AND cross-train. You inspire me!
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